WOMEN & WHEELS 2026

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THANK YOU

Thank you for your support and for being part of the Women & Wheels event at Charlesglen Toyota. 

This space is reserved exclusively for our event attendees. Here you'll find helpful resources, answers from our live Question and Answers session, practical tips about vehicle ownership, and useful videos designed to help you feel more confident when it comes to your car. 

We are excited to continue supporting you even after the event by providing information you can return to anytime. 

Stay tuned as we add information exclusively for you!

Can I trust that Charlesglen charges appropriately for services rendered? Are there different prices at different dealerships?

Short answer, yes! In the automotive industry, there is a standard called the Mitchell Labour Time Guide, which provides recommended labour times for many common services and repairs. These labour times are widely used across the industry. What can differ from shop to shop is the hourly labour rate, often called the door rate, and that rate should always be clearly disclosed to customers. At Charlesglen Toyota, our door rate is $188 per hour plus tax and shop supplies. Some services, such as oil changes or routine maintenance packages, are not based on the Mitchell guide. Those services may vary in price, but the cost should always be communicated clearly when you book your appointment. We also regularly conduct market comparisons to ensure our pricing remains competitive. One important difference is that our technicians are Toyota Certified, meaning they receive specialized training specific to Toyota vehicles and systems. Parts can also influence the final repair cost. We use Toyota OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, which are designed specifically for your vehicle and backed by warranty for both the part and the labour. While aftermarket parts may sometimes cost less, OEM parts help ensure quality, fit, and reliability. Most importantly, transparency is key. When you book service with us, you receive a quote for the requested work so you understand what you are paying for. If our inspection finds anything that needs attention, we provide a clear estimate for parts and labour, along with photos and a technician video explaining what we found. At the end of the day, you should always feel comfortable asking questions and understanding exactly what you’re paying for. If a shop isn’t providing clear pricing and explanations, it’s absolutely fair to ask for that transparency.

Will anyone be talking about the navigation system tonight?

Sorry we missed this at the event. Our intent was to have a station available specifically for this, and other questions involving the Toyota Connected Servies. That said, we are the only Charlesglen Toyota Dealership that offers a “Time with a Tech” session. This is a 30-minute appointment where you can book one on one time to go over specific questions about these systems with your certified technician and your vehicle. If you’d like to book this appointment, please call 403-241-0888 and request a 30 minute “Time with the Tech” we’d be happy to look after this for you.

When I get my tires changed at Charlesglen, do they balance the tires and align the suspension? How often should I do this, and will they inform me if needed?

Every vehicle that pulls into our Service Drive Thru is provided a complimentary alignment check. It’s a snapshot of your alignment which will be reviewed with your Service Advisor at check in. A proper alignment will help with the longevity of your tires so it’s very important and, if you need it, we will discuss it with you.

Is it true that using a battery charger to charge the battery regularly will extend the battery life?

Yes and No. Yes, if the vehicle is not driven regularly or daily. No, if it is being driven regularly or on daily basis.

If car hood starts smoking, what do different smoke colors indicate?

Smoke usually indicates that the fluid is leaking onto the hot engine components. White smoke/steam: possibly indicates the leak in the cooling system. Blue/Grey smoke: usually indicates an oil leak. Thick Black/Grey Smoke (with burning smell): likely because of electrical fire, wires or plastic components near the battery or fuse box maybe melting.

Why are Toyota parts more expensive i-e- tail lights for brand new vehicle, they wouldn’t be generic?

Its really depends on bulb or type of part. For example, traditional bulb will be cheaper compared to LED bulb. That said, if you are asking about Genuine Toyota Parts OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts come with a warranty on both the parts and labour. After market parts do not include a warranty on labour for installation and may not be at the same high standards Toyota is known for.

What advice would you give to a young adult wanting to step into a mechanics career?

From our Shop Foreman Blair Spring. Talk to people in the industry and if you can’t find someone come ask me. Real world experience is key when making a career decision. You can look at programs at SAIT like the Automotive Service Technician Program, Pre-apprenticeship program or apply for positions at a reputable shop known for growing it’s employees through an apprenticeship program.

Can you safely boost another vehicle if you have a hybrid? Can you receive a boost and is it different than a gas vehicle?

It is NOT RECOMMENDED to boost another vehicle from a hybrid. You can receive a boost from almost any other passenger vehicle the only major difference is the positive and negative boost point locations, the owner’s manual describes in detail where the correct locations for jumpstarting the vehicle are.

what am I paying for when I get an oil change? There’s always additional things I get asked if I want done, do I need all this (ex. Filters, etc)

There can be additional charges for filters which we (at Charlesglen) try to quote up front based on your mileage and last service. Engine Air Filters are for the air your engine “breathes” and cabin air filters are for the air you “breath”. Both need to be changed (on average) every 12 months or 16,000kms depending on your driving habits you may see a need more frequently.

How do we see the Toyota recommended maintenance schedule so we know we’re on track with the proactive maintenance

We post it online but any of our advisors can print it out for you as well. https://www.toyota.ca/en/owners/maintenance-schedule/ ONLINE SCHEDULE you can enter your vehicle information and it will show the full schedule.

I’ve had a vehicle that I've brought in for service due to making a certain noise/squeak, or a vibration, it can’t be reproduced. What do you suggest one does?

In these situations we often recommend going for a test drive with a team lead or our Shop Foreman. Often the best person to replicate a sound is the person who hears it most often. That said, you can always take a video recording of it as well. Record the noise in the video and describe where you are driving, what speed any notable road conditions then bring them in, we don’t give up but sometimes it can take a few tests to duplicate.

What's the difference between a block heater and a battery jacket?

A block heater is used to warm engine fluids for easier starting and less wear on the system in cold weather. Battery blankets or battery jackets are designed specifically to warm your battery. This is not a trickle charger and does not provide any “boost” to the battery however in extreme cold that kills battery efficiency the blanket can help.

The navigation system doesn't always understand me and I speak perfect English...very frustrating when driving to get navigation help. Why?

Truth is, voice navigation systems are… how do we say this nicely… trying their best. Keep in mind they’re juggling accents, background noise, road names that sound like Wi-Fi passwords, and the fact that humans don’t all speak like robots reading a script. Add in things like cabin noise, music, Bluetooth quality, and the system’s limited vocabulary, and suddenly your perfectly clear request turns into a game of broken telephone. So no, it’s not you but It’s just technology reminding us that while it can park itself and stream Spotify it still occasionally struggles with basic listening skills.

If a car is on a perfect maintenance schedule, how often should you check the oil level?

We recommend a quick check once a month while filling with gas.

Does quality of oil differ a lot, or just a little depending on the brand?

The brand, not as much though we use Toyota Brand oil in all our services. That said, you will see a price difference in the type of oil (synthetic or regular) and can see price differences on weight (viscosity)

Do you foreseen the wait time for Toyota SUVs to decrease in 2026 or 2027?

This still depends on the model and trim you are looking for. Short answer yes, we are already seeing a reduction in the wait time on some vehicles but our advice is, if you are looking at one in the next year, connect with your Product Advisor to get on the list.

How do I fix my low tire pressure warning? the tires are fine they’re just attached to the sensor on my regular seasons so it stays on all winter.

This is the case for many drivers as only one set of sensors can be programed into your vehicle. You do have the option of purchasing a second set of sensors for your winter tires but many opt not to as there is an initial fee for the part and reprograming fee each season.

Do you sell a product that is good for taking off the greasy film that accumulates on interior window surfaces

Our Parts Department also sells Toyota Recommended Cleaners called “Toyota Touch” their glass cleaner and multipurpose cleaner are great for this. We also sell a full detailing kit for at home cleaning. If you want to really spoil yourself and show your car some love, book a detail package from our Service Department you won’t regret it.

Do you have recommendations for storing a gas or hybrid vehicle? I had a hybrid that needed charging after being stored for a mth. I want to avoid this problem.

If being frequently / regularly stored for longer periods I would recommend a battery maintainer. Essentially it is a monitor for the battery and charge when needed during the storage time.

How to keep windshield (inside and out) free of freezing snow outside and fog on inside.

You’ll want the heat on and to give the vehicle time to heat up. Be sure your recirculation is on as well. This is especially helpful with the fog on the inside. The button usually looks like a hollow car with an arrow that’s making a U in the centre.

Why are the headlights not bright enough even after replacing the bulbs and polishing the covers?

If the headlights are still dim after changing the bulbs and polishing the covers, the next step would be to adjusting the aim.

Why does Android Auto sometimes "forget" me as the Primary Driver? Will connect to husbands phone first when both enter vehicle together.

This question is difficult to answer without looking at your phones and specific vehicle. Our best advice is to book a 30 minute “time with the tech” to get everything running the way you want it to.

Is the auto setting for lights safe?

For night driving yes. That said, they shouldn’t be relied upon for all conditions such as bad weather or fog as they may not always activate. When your lights are on this also turns on your rear tail lights which can be very important in low visibility situations. Rule of thumb, during the day (in lower visibility situations) turn them on manually.

Is the headlight symbol supposed to be displayed all the time when the car is running?

If the light is on generally that means the system is turned on (either manually or automatically with the auto setting).

After 3 years , I think I have to pay for some features. what features are no longer available with Toyota Android App?

If this is regarding the connected services features such as remote starting, door locks, etc. those are subscriptions that can be managed through the Connected services application on your phone.

Is it okay to just use ECO setting while driving?

Absolutely it is perfectly acceptable to operate the vehicle using ECO setting. This feature should automatically turn off when/if you are towing.

How do you check the tire pressure?

Remove the valve cap from one of your tires, place the pressure gauge on the valve stem and press down hard enough so that hiss sound disappears and your gauge provides a reading.

Explain the best way to use the backup camera.

Treat it as supplementary tool, always combine the screen display with checking mirrors and turning your head to identify obstacles.

Can you make the lock beep louder on your key fob?

No, there isn’t volume control feature on the fob.

How do you start 2018 IS 350 Lexus with original key fob?

Press the lock button twice back-to-back and lock immediately for the third time and long hold for 3-5 seconds. Your hazard lights will flash to confirm.